Free Stormy Haven by Rosalind Brett

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    She turned and saw a case open in his hands; a superb necklace of small rectangles of polished amber linked with tiny, platinum-set diamonds. Instinctively, she stiffened. “ Ramon, I can ’ t accept a thing so valuable. ”
    “ But I got it especially for you from a very wise jeweler. Mrs. Paget helped me to choose it. ” He raised the necklace from its white velvet bed. “I t is, after all, only a trinket. Your cousin said she was sure it would suit you and I think she is right. ”
    “ You don ’ t understand. ” Melanie ’ s heart was beating uncomfortably fast. “ Elfrida couldn ’ t have realized how... how expensive it is. I ’ m so sorry —”
    He was not put out. The necklace dangled from his fingers as he asked softly, “ What would you have me give you—a beaten gold bangle such as the poorest Indian woman wears, some silk and tinsel for a sari? To me you are above every woman on this, island and I could not give you less than the best that is procurable. Let me fasten it for you. ”
    “ No! ” She backed a pace. “ Keep it. Give it to me some other time. ”
    “ What a shy little bird you are. Surely you do not think that the object makes so much difference? It is my nature to give presents, and I counted myself fortunate to be introduced to this jeweler who carries a stock from Switzerland. First, of course, I spoke to Mrs. Paget, and when she pronounced it in order I went a step further and asked her to accompany me to his office. I can assure you, Melanita, that this harmless little necklace has your cousin ’ s complete approval. Indeed, it has also the approval of my father. ”
    “ Your father? ” she echoed in a maze.
    “ There you are! ” he exclaimed, humorously triumphant. “ Does not that demonstrate how everything is correct? Mrs. Paget and my father consider that it is permissible for me to give and you to receive this poor little piece of feminine adornment. ”
    After that there seemed to be nothing for Melanie to say. She felt the cold platinum settling at her throat, Ramon ’ s light touch at the clasp in her nape. For a moment his hands held the fine bones of her bare shoulders, and then he was facing her again, offering his arm with a courteous inclination of his head that was reminiscent of his father.
    For a while Melanie could not forget the thing that glittered around her neck. She saw Elfrida glance at it, caught her reassuring smile. She spoke to the old senor and he appeared not even to notice it.
    The dinner table was gay with flowers and laughter, the food and wines were incomparable, and Senor Perez was the perfect host. There could be n o lingering over coffee. Women hurriedly repaired their complexions, gathered their wraps and went out to the cars. This time Melanie sat beside Ramon, while Elfrida and his father shared the back of the c a r .
    The Tiran Palace was set high on the hill at the southern end of the bay. The road to it passed the Miramar and the houses of the island ’ s few well-to-do Indians. There is nothing more arresting than a dazzling white piece of Eastern architecture in the moonlight. The graceful minarets guarding the domed center of the Tiran were etched against the deep sky, the flowers along the lake edge were sheathed in silver and onyx, and the lilies lay like waxen fluted bowls upon the great, strong leaves that spread out over inky water.
    The big central doors of the Tiran were open, letting out a stream of light that beautified the tiled patio. It was here that they met Stephen. He got up from a carved stone bench, flicked away his cigarette and gave an economical bow.
    “ Ah, Stephen, ” said Senor Perez cordially. “ So you could not get to us for dinner? ”
    “ My apologies, senor. I arrived home too late, and decided to atone by reaching the Tiran Palace before you. ”
    “ Always you are a busy man. I thought these months were to be a kind of holiday! ”
    “ Even on holiday one can become absorbed, senor